Jack, Alison, & Co.

Last night's events cemented in my mind what I've been reluctant to admit for some time: my destiny is rock stardom. I'm not sure why I've been in denial; I guess admitting the truth and accepting your eminent fate are weighty issues that sometimes just stare you in the face like the occasional public transportation-riding goon sitting across the bus aisle.

Let me follow up with last evening's actual happenings. A dear friend and I attended the Dead Weather show at the Congress Theater. The opener was some surf rock three-piece, I think called Harlem...not bad.

Then Jack White, Alison Mosshart, Dean Fertita, and Jack Lawrence took the stage. Minds were blown. I'm hesitant to say this was my favorite show thus far in the year, as it's difficult to beat Ray Davies opening with "This is Where I Belong" while you listen with your dad, but the show was fantastic. The group plays live like they sound on record, and they do it for the crowd as well as themselves...hallmarks of a well-performed concert.

Tired from the week, sweaty, and wearing 5-inch wedges, I just wanted Alison, in all her stringy-haired glory, to keep singing. Her confidence and sex appeal are infectious, and I've contracted.

Sweet Cheesus

Is it possible that Velveeta Shells and Cheese is the perfect comfort food? It's easy to cook (though I have messed up the recipe in recent days. note to self: wait for water to boil before adding noodles), reminds everyone of childhood, and is endlessly satiating in its warmth and creaminess. I don't think I'll ever get sick of mac and cheese; I mean, I could go on the most turbulent of ocean journeys or ride every vertigo-inducing roller coaster at Six Flags, and I'd still be happy to down a bowl.

PB&J doesn't even hold a candle.

Gettin' Kinky Wid It

Great and lasting rock bands have certain things in common: talent, a knack for writing catchy hooks, and an affinity for drama. The Kinks have Ray Davies.

Watch below to see one of Rock 'n Roll's most gifted song-writers dedicating "Waterloo Sunset" and "Days" to recently departed Kinks band member Pete Quaife. Ray played this year at Glastonbury to a crowd of thousands; despite England's World Cup loss the crowd still gets into it.

Note: have tissues on deck.

Additional note: watch for the curly-haired choral singer at the 6:17 mark...epochal life moment for him.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6hMWM_zW70

Oh, How I've Missed Thee, Juve!

This song brings me back to the Cash Money Millionaires era, circa 1998:

http://www.djbooth.net/index/tracks/review/juvenile-drop-that-azz/

Juvenile's "Beast Mode" was released 07/06/2010, and I've linked "Drop That Azz." Listen for the sweet MCA "Drop!" sample throughout!

At Least MGMT Got Something Right

This post is dedicated to the contemporary artist Anthony Ausgang. I discovered his work when all the hype surrounding MGMT's latest release, "Congratulations," was swirling about. For better or worse, the cover, which Ausgang designed, turned out to be the most fruitful component of that entire creative venture.

Ausgang is influenced by an intriguing array of sources. Hot-rod car culture, specifically the animated rodent cartoon character Rat Fink, and his mother's love of high-art forms like the symphony and classic European fine art were impactful to Ausgang. Looking at his stuff, it's clear to see where and how his ideas were formed. His work is bright, full of movement, and psychedelic. While most of his product is blatantly cartoonish it is still articulately crafted, and Ausgang quite clearly puts significant thought and effort into his paintings.

Also reflective of his diverging artistic influences, Ausgang uses both old- and new-school media. He begins the design process on his computer and then finishes the work on an easel with paint. The result is eye-catching, unique, and mind-bending (see "Congratulations" album art above).

Rock Star Crushes

I look back on my days as a young woman and like to reminisce about my past loves. The majority of my significant relationships have been with Rock Stars. These boyfriends have caused happiness, admiration, frustration, heartbreak, and eventual resolution. I must also note that all of these relationships have occurred completely in my own mind. I've listed some of the more memorable ones below, chronologically:

MCA, the Beastie Boys:

I remember being quite young and seeing the video for "Sabotage." I didn't know why, but this guy made me feel strange. A decade and a half later, the Beastie Boys still make me rock out, in no small part due to MCA's great lyrical delivery and pure sexiness. This crush is hard to describe, as MCA doesn't posses that typical "Rock Star" look. He's actually fairly clean-cut in appearance, and I think that's the charm; he's normal but manages to spit some of the wittiest rhymes ever recorded.

Robert Plant, Led Zeppelin:
This one is predictable, Robert is the epitome of Rock Star. I'm not gonna go into details with this one because a) everything I'll say is already obvious, and b) it'll get me too worked up to get any work done after this lunch hour is up.

Dan Hawkins, the Darkness:

You may remember "I Believe In a Thing Called Love," one of the most memorable songs of 2004. If you do, Dan was the man behind the campy genius of the Darkness. He was not the flamboyant frontman, but, rather, the more obscure rhythm guitarist. This crush was long-lived and intense, mostly because Dan seemed like a normal guy just trying his hand at fame. It didn't work: the band broke up several years ago. Dan is no longer a Rock Star, and I no longer have a crush on him.

Dan Auerback, the Black Keys:

Dan is one half of the blues rock outfit the Black Keys; he also possesses the whole of my heart. This love has nothing to do with Dan's appearance. Again, not very physically Rock Star--Dan is slightly chubby, not outrageously good-looking, and hails from the decidedly normal state of Ohio. His voice and musical skill are mind-blowing, however. The Black Keys just released the full-length "Brothers" and I long to be Dan's "Next Girl," heck I'd die a happy woman just to be his ex-girl.